Prefabricated community building at Abercwmboi Recreation Ground, Abercwmboi, Aberdare

What was proposed

The application sought a prefabricated modular building for community activities, children’s facilities and use by five football teams.

“The application has been submitted on behalf of Friends of Abercwmboi, with a view to providing a hub to hold meetings, training courses and community facilities for residents of the village and as an outlet for children after school and during school holidays. In addition, the applicant has advised that it is intended for the building to be utilised by the five football teams that are based at the recreation ground, during match days.”

Officer report

The site

The building would stand on the southern side of a recreation ground containing sports facilities and existing demountable buildings.

“The application site relates to a Rhondda Cynon Taf owned facility that includes a sports pitch and associated structures.”

“The site, for which it is proposed to erect the new community building, is accessed from the B4275 (John Street) to the south and currently contains other demountable buildings that sit upon a grassed embankment, above the level of the playing field. These buildings provide changing room facilities in association with the use of the ground and are enclosed by palisade fencing.”

Officer report

Earlier site application

An earlier application for replacement changing rooms at the recreation ground was granted in 2021.

“The following planning application is on record for this site which is considered to be of relevance to this application:”

“21/1337 Abercwmboi Recreation Ground, John Street, Abercwmboi Removal of demountable steel changing room facility and replace with new anti- vandal steel changing room. Granted 03/11/21”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal supported community facilities and was acceptable in terms of appearance, neighbours, highways and flooding.

“The principle of the proposal is acceptable, and the proposed modular unit would provide a much-needed base for the Friends of Abercwmboi Community Group, who currently operate out of various establishments within the village.”

“Furthermore, the proposal is considered acceptable in terms of its impact upon the character and appearance of the area, the amenities of neighbouring residents, highway safety and flooding and therefore accords with the requirements of the Local Development Plan.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, public health, Natural Resources Wales, water, flood and ecology consultees raised no objection, subject to some conditions or advice.

“Highways and Transportation – No objection, nor conditions suggested. • Public Health and Protection – No objection, conditions suggested. • Natural Resources Wales – No objection, informative notes are recommended. • Dwr Cymru – No objection, conditions recommended. • Lead Local Flood Authority - No objection. • Council Ecologist – No objection.”

Officer report

What residents raised

Two objections mentioned accessibility, funding, tree removal, parking, security and possible conflict with the ground’s sports use.

“APPLICATION NUMBER – 25/0741/FUL REPORT The application has been advertised by direct notification to neighbouring properties and through the erection of site notices. Two letters of objection have been received as a result of this exercise and raise the following points:”

“Accessibility issues; • Impact on grant funding; • Removal of healthy trees; • Lack of parking; • Security concerns; • Conflict with the main use of the ground as a sports facility.”

Officer report

Who addressed the committee

Two objectors who had requested to speak were not present to address the committee.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director of Prosperity and Development.

“The Head of Planning presented the application to Committee and following consideration it was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Prosperity and Development.”

Minutes